Mission Statement

Our Brand Values

We pride ourselves on delivering a service in line with our brand values and take great satisfaction in seeing our team embrace these to build the successful firm we are today.

Do the Right Thing

We work with honesty and integrity as we care about the people and businesses we work with.

Build Relationships

We believe in treating our colleagues, clients and partners how we would like to be treated.

Simplify the Complex

We believe in providing straight talking, jargon free, sound advice.

Keep the Passion

We take pride in making a tangible difference to help our clients prosper over the long term.

Be an Ambassador for Prime

Represent the firm positively and create a great first and lasting impression with colleagues, clients and contacts.

Provide a Personal Service

We take the time to understand a clients individual requirements and are flexible in our approach to meeting their needs.

Always be Approachable

We are professional, friendly and always available to help.

Embrace Change

We are forward thinking and embrace new technology that benefits our clients.

Meet the team

We as Directors, take overall responsibility for our clients’ affairs, drawing upon the expertise of other specialisms within the firm to deliver a solution that meets their specific requirements

Filters

Kevin Johns

Managing Director

Based in the Solihull Office, Kevin has over 25 years’ experience advising clients in the SME market.

Kevin is one of the Prime’s key audit specialists and looks after a portfolio of clients ranging from large privately owned manufacturing enterprises, charities and solicitors, together with a broad range of clients across most sectors. His strengths lie in his ability to cut through the jargon of accountancy speak and in proactively identifying the best ways forward for his clients.

Kevin is the President of the Solihull Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of the Solihull BID.

He is married and has two children, and when not in the office (or as Kevin would prefer, out helping clients) he coaches rugby or spends time during the winter months taking the boys ski-racing around Europe.

Laurence Moore

Director

After completing a BA Honours degree in Business Studies, Laurence joined Prime (formerly Pilley & Florsham) as the firm’s first Chartered Accountant trainee. He qualified in 1983 and was presented with the Warwickshire Prize for being the highest placed Warwickshire Society student in the Institute's finals.

After qualifying, Laurence left and joined his father in practice in Leamington Spa. When his father retired in 1985, they merged the practice with that of Pilley & Florsham and became the Leamington branch office. Laurence was appointed a partner of Pilleys in January 1986.

While being very much a general practitioner, Laurence has a particular interest in, and a lot of experience of, the effective use of IT in business. As well as continually developing the IT strategy for the Prime Group, Laurence advises clients on their IT requirements. He is a member of the Chartered Institute's IT Faculty. Laurence is IT and VAO Director of the Prime Group.

Outside of the office, Laurence is a Governor of a Catholic Secondary School in Coventry and Finance Director of The Albany Theatre Trust. He has an interest in photography, videography and music having played the keyboard in various local bands. Amongst his very varied client portfolio, Laurence acts for professional musicians, groups and entertainers.

Jamie Skelding

Director

Jamie was educated at Bablake School in Coventry and joined Prime (formerly Pilley & Florsham) in 1985 where he trained as an accountant. After many years building up his experience and managing various groups of clients, he qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in July 1996 and became a partner in January 2000.

Jamie oversees Prime Payroll, the firm's payroll solution for clients. He also manages a varied portfolio of clients, providing support for new start ups through to analysing management information with a view to appraising and improving business performance for established enterprises.

Jamie has also experienced life outside Prime as the Internal Auditor for a National Housing Association. He was responsible for reviewing and, where necessary, devising the financial systems of the association. During this period he gained experience of the unique culture of a large mix funded national organisation and a fascinating insight into Housing Association Finance.

When not at his desk, Jamie can either be found ploughing the fairways (and rough!!) or looking after his young family. He also has a keen interest in West Ham United FC.

Morgan Davies

Director

Morgan began training to be a Chartered Accountant in 1994 at an independent Birmingham firm which predominantly serviced the SME market. He qualified in 1998 and gained a great deal of experience in audit before deciding to move on to a top 10 national firm, where he managed a portfolio of clients and supervised the larger audits including high profile and listed companies.

He joined Prime (formerly Pilley & Florsham) in 2004 as Senior Audit Manager to head the audit and accounts department. In January 2007, Morgan was appointed as a Director of Prime.

Morgan now heads up Prime’s audit and accounts department. He is one of the firm’s specialist audit directors and is also responsible for the training and development of the department.

Morgan enjoys really getting to understand his clients’ businesses so that he can provide the appropriate support and advice to help them drive their business forward.

He is also a Xero certified partner, helping clients streamline their accounting systems to provide them with efficient and timely management information.

Outside of the office Morgan suffers by watching the rise and fall of Aston Villa Football Club.

John Osborne

Director

John was born in Gorleston, Norfolk and educated at Great Yarmouth Grammar School. He joined Prime (formerly Raftery & Co) in 1981 and became a partner in 1993.

John has over 30 years’ experience advising a broad range of principally owner managed businesses. He believes it is essential to develop a close working relationship with clients, engendering the trust that is essential for a successful professional relationship. As well as advising established businesses to continue their progression, he enjoys assisting start up and fledgling businesses in their development and growth.

John lives in Solihull and is married with two sons and two daughters. He relaxes by reading and listening to music.

Jeremy Kitson

Director

Jeremy joined Prime (formerly Pilley & Florsham) after completing a BA Honours degree in Business Studies at Coventry University. He qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2003. He was appointed as a director of the firm in July 2017.

Based in the Solihull office, Jeremy is one of Prime’s audit specialists and has been involved in training and developing the department for a number of years.

Jeremy has dealt with a broad range of clients in a variety of industries including manufacturing, retail, IT, charity, healthcare, automotive, construction and property, transportation, leisure and education.

Jeremy lives in Solihull and is married with a son and a daughter. He is a keen skier and football follower now that his playing days are behind him. He is an active member of Coventry Round Table.

Steve Harcourt

Director

Steve Harcourt joined Prime in October 2007, having previously gained ten years’ experience working for a Coventry based sole practitioner where he trained and qualified with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. Following numerous promotions Steve was appointed a director of the firm in July 2017.

Steve has extensive experience of all aspects of accounting including cash flow reporting and compiling internal financial reports. Steve manages the entire outsourced virtual accounts office for one of the region’s leading tourist attractions. He also manages the firms’ contractor offering and advises clients on their IR35 status.

An approachable and commercially astute accountant, Steve is focused on offering clients added value. He has particular expertise in the Engineering and Construction sector.

Born and bred in Bedworth, Steve gained an honours degree at Middlesex University and now lives in Nuneaton with his wife Claire and two children. Outside of work Steve has been a member of Nuneaton golf club for over 20 years and tries to find time to play as often as possible. He is also a keen cyclist and life long supporter of Coventry City Football Club.

Michael Jellicoe

Director

Mike started his life in Suffolk. He took a degree in pure mathematics at St. Andrews University. After training at Arthur Andersen and then a small two partner firm in London specialising in the entertainment industry he qualified as a chartered accountant in 1976 being awarded the ‘tax prize for the best paper during his professional exams.

Following qualification Mike gained experience within small accountancy firms before being made partner at Raftery & Co (which later became part of Prime). After 7 years as partner, Mike moved to London and decided to start his own practice specialising in the not for profit sector and bespoke accounts and tax advice for successful professionals both UK and non-UK domiciled. He ran the practice for 28 years moving back to the Midlands 20 years ago. He remained in touch with Prime throughout and merged his practice with Prime in late 2016.

Mike’s clients have won the best in category award for Charity Accounts in two successive years. He was awarded a diploma in Charity Accounting in 2007. Mike was a founder member of the Charity Practitioners forum and its chair from 2014 to 2016.

Outside of work Mike is married with two adult children. He enjoys travelling, yoga and walking.

Adrian Pym

Director

Adrian joined Prime in May 2012, having gained over 20 years experience in the financial aspects of disputes and litigation, acting as adviser, expert witness, expert determiner and mediator, spanning all types of dispute.

His expertise covers all types of forensic work including partner and shareholder disputes, business valuation, business interruption, loss of profit claims, professional negligence, fraud and matrimonial.

Adrian regularly lectures to solicitors, barristers and accountants on a range of forensic accounting topics.

Adrian is a fellow of the institute of Chartered Accountants and a member of the Academy of Experts. He also a qualified Expert Determiner and Accredited Mediator and is on the ICAEW Presidents Appointments Panel for dispute resolution appointments.

In his spare time Adrian is a keen photographer and has even managed to sell a few of his "snaps".

Glen Callow

Prime Wealth Director

Glen is the Director of Prime Wealth, the financial planning arm of Prime Accountants Group and works out of both offices. This ‘in-house’ relationship ensures a much more ’joined-up’ approach for clients.

A local lad, educated at Solihull School, Glen has worked in a number of financial planning businesses in the West Midlands and Warwickshire region, specialising in the advice requirements of owner managers and high net worth individuals.

Glen is passionate in the design and implementation of an advice process that not only considers traditional financial planning vehicles but also integrates both tax and legal specialists to cover a far wider range of services than that delivered by a traditional financial planning firm.

Along with advising clients with their various pension, investment and wealth structuring requirements, Glen is the director responsible for the day to day running of Prime Wealth, defining and implementing its service proposition, use of technology, selection of its investment partners and relationship with the professional community.

In his spare time (when he has some) he enjoys watching and participating in sport and spending time with his growing family.

Paul Guise

Senior Audit and Accounts Manager

Paul joined Prime in July 2015 as an Accounts Manager with a wealth of experience advising owner managed businesses. In July 2017 Paul was promoted to Senior Audit & Accounts Manager.

Paul began training in 1998 at a large independent firm of accountants in the Midlands. Having worked within the audit department, Paul was promoted to Accounts department manager shortly after qualifying in 2005 and worked closely with their SME client base.

Through working at various offices around the Midlands Paul has gained a wide range of experience of different industry sectors.

Away from the office Paul lives with his wife and two children in Nuneaton, is a keen football fan supporting Liverpool FC and enjoys hacking his way around the local golf courses.

Sarah Grandison

Senior Tax Manager

Sarah joined Prime in 1996 as a trainee. She qualified in 2001, becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation, the premier tax qualification. Following this Sarah was appointed Tax Manager in 2004 and promoted to Senior Tax Manager in 2015.

Having worked in tax for many years, Sarah is very experienced and provides detailed tax advice to clients of all sizes and across all industry sectors.

Frances Folliard

Senior VAO Manager

Frances manages our Virtual Accounts Office team based in the Coventry office. In addition to managing the team, Frances has her own client portfolio, as well as getting involved with other client needs as necessary to resolve ad hoc issues.

Frances joined Prime via a merger in 2009. Whilst at Prime Frances completed her ACCA qualification in 2010 and was then promoted to Business Services Supervisor in 2011. Following the introduction of the Virtual Accounts Office teams in 2012, Frances became the VAO Team Leader in our Coventry office.

In 2018 Frances won the finance category in the Coventry and Warwickshire Young Professionals awards which is testament to the work she and her team produce in our VAO department. Frances further impressed the judges with her efforts in supporting the local community, an example of which was hosting mock interviews for sixth form students.

Out of the office, most of Frances’s time is spent with her two children. She also has a passion for football and is a keen Liverpool supporter. Frances also plays crown green bowls for her local club and county team.

Kerrie Given

Senior Payroll Manager

Kerrie originally joined Prime (formerly Pilley & Florsham) in 2006 as a Payroll administrator, was appointed Payroll Manager in 2010 and promoted to Senior Payroll Manager in 2016.

As a local girl, educated at Cardinal Newman Secondary School, Kerrie has worked in a number of sectors including Local Government and the Car Manufacturing Industry, bringing a wealth of payroll knowledge to the firm.

Kerrie is very experienced and provides detailed payroll advice to clients of all sizes and across all industry sectors, specialising in taking on new payroll clients and liaising with business owners to ensure the process is seamless. Kerrie has an excellent working knowledge in regard to day to day running of a payroll, supervision and training of staff and the implementation of new systems such as Star Payroll Professional, Oracle, Sage and others.

Kerrie achieved her CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management in 2001, becoming a member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals. Kerrie is also a Tutor for the CIPP and enjoys the opportunity to get involved in any changes within the payroll profession engaging frequently with HMRC and The Pensions Regulator, providing valuable feedback to assist in future changes that are on the horizon.

Client care is of the utmost importance to Kerrie, which was acknowledged when she was awarded the 2011 "Customer Care" award from Solihull Chamber of Commerce.

Away from the office Kerrie is a keen cyclist, and also plays Badminton, Netball and football.

Peter Haughton

Audit and Accounts Manager

Peter joined Prime in 2017 as one of our Audit and Accounts managers based in the Solihull office.

Peter has many years of experience providing a personal service to his clients taking pride in understanding their business and industry. Through Peter’s career to date he has gained notable experience of working for clients in the manufacturing, motor, construction, IT and not for profit sectors.

Peter started his career at an independent firm of accountants in 2001 where he trained and qualified as a member of the Association of Accounting Technicians. In 2003 Peter moved to another firm offering experience in audit work and began to study towards his ACCA qualification. In 2006 Peter joined a top ten firm where he completed his qualification and gained valuable experience, in particular being seconded to the Government Office of the North West as part of a team to support them.

Outside of the office, Peter lives with his wife and her daughter. He enjoys technology and all gadgets, one day he hopes to eventually get a motorhome to explore more of the country that he has yet to experience.

Gareth Jackett

Tax Manager

Gareth Jackett joined Prime in December 2015, having previously worked at another local practice for 24 years where he qualified with the Association of Taxation Technicians. He became a fellow of the association in 2011.

He has gained experience working for the Inland Revenue and HM Customs & Excise. He is a member of the Association of Church Treasurers and Accountants and in his spare time has worked with churches in Coventry as a treasurer for the last 20 years dealing with church finances and gift aid schemes.

His experience in practice has been focused on dealing with owner managed businesses, individuals and trusts and has encompassed corporation tax, PAYE/CIS and all aspects of personal taxation.

Gareth is married with three children, he enjoys rugby especially when Wales win and is actively involved in his local church.

Liz McMillan

Assistant Audit and Accounts Manager

Liz began her career as an Accounts Assistant with a small independent firm of accountants in Birmingham where she trained and qualified as a member of AAT. In 2011 Liz moved to a larger firm to commence her training towards becoming a member of ACCA and gain experience in the field of audit.

Following qualifying as a member of ACCA Liz joined Prime in 2015 as an Audit and Accounts Senior and in July 2017 was promoted to Assistant Audit and Accounts manager.

During her time Liz has been able to build her knowledge through working with a broad variety of clients from a range of industries and by gaining experience in the different services that are offered to clients.

Away from the office Liz is involved in a local trampolining and gymnastics club and enjoys spending her time shopping.

Jonathan Stobart

Marketing Manager

Jonathan joined Prime in 2011 as Marketing Assistant, having graduated from Coventry University with a degree in marketing. Since joining the firm Jonathan applied to Prime’s internal management development program and after successfully completing the course gained a certificate in Leadership and Team Skills from the Institute of Leadership and Management. In February 2015 Jonathan was appointed Marketing Manager.

As Marketing Manager, Jonathan is responsible for developing and implementing a marketing plan for the Group that aims to raise the profile of Prime Accountants Group as well as look for opportunities to further add value to clients businesses through new products and services.

As a keen digital marketer he also ensures the company’s social media presence is always active, the website is maintained and has a high position on Google. Always encouraging interaction on social media, the words "Re-tweet", "Like" and "Share" are never far from conversation, although others around the office just think he wants someone to talk to.

Away from the office, Jonathan is normally found in the local ice rink playing hockey for his club Solihull Vikings or playing racketball at his local club, Solihull Arden.

Sarah Hill

VAO Manager

Sarah is a Virtual Accounts Office (VAO) Manager based in the Coventry office. In this role Sarah assists clients with their day to day accountancy requirements and her client base covers a broad range of owner managed businesses in a variety of sizes and industries.

Sarah has a background of working in practice and qualified as a member of ACCA in 2007; in addition she holds a Degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes. Her experience includes accounts, payroll, tax, bookkeeping, management accounts and VAT.

Following a short break from work for maternity leave Sarah joined Prime in October 2013.

Most of Sarah’s time outside of work is spent looking after her young children, but she does enjoy going to the theatre, shopping, and walking her 2 dogs.

Nick Ballard

IT Manager

Nick joined Prime in 2006 as IT Manager after spending the previous 12 years providing IT support to the firm via a third party. He provides IT services not only to Prime internally but also to Prime clients.

Nick, together with his team, has expertise in wireless network installations, VPN configuration, server installation and Citrix administration, as well as a whole raft of other computer related capabilities. He can also turn his hand to application programming and, as a consequence, has created a variety of applications for in-house use at the Prime offices.

Having been involved with computers since leaving school, he has a Diploma in Computers and Diploma in Performance Management as well as the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) qualification.

When not tinkering with hardware or software, Nick can be found performing DIY and has, successfully, installed his own kitchen and built an outbuilding at his home in Nuneaton.

Martin Farrell

Payroll Manager

Martin began working in Payroll in 2002 and has gained over 14 years of experience in all aspects of Payroll, having dealt with a varied amount of pay frequencies whilst working at various companies. Martin has processed payrolls in a variety of sectors including local government, payroll bureau and the automotive industry.

Over this period of time the duties concerning payroll have grown considerably and Martin has seen first hand the importance of providing an accurate and efficient service.

Martin has a CIPP diploma in Payroll Management

Away from the office Martin is keen on playing and/or watching any sport but his main “love” is Football and Everton (for his sins!!). and playing football in the Coventry Alliance football league for Christ the King.

Jacquie Hill

Accounts Production Manager

Jacquie joined Prime in September 2000 as a payroll clerk but quickly moved across to the accounts and audit team as an assistant, becoming a manager in April 2005.

Jacquie now manages a wide portfolio of sole-trader, partnership and smaller limited company clients. Over the years, Jacquie has dealt with a broad range of clients including those in the construction industry, retail and many more. Although her main role is managing year end accounts preparation, she also helps train new employees for the accounts and audit teams.

In her spare time Jacquie enjoys working on her allotment and swimming.

Colm McCrea

Accounts Manager

Colm is one of our Accounts Managers based in our Coventry office. Colm has extensive experience assisting clients with a range of services such as year end compliance, management information and advice on accounting software.

After finishing university in the summer of 2010 Colm started his career with Prime as a graduate trainee accountant. He completed his ACA exams while at Prime, qualifying in January 2014.

After qualifying as an accountant Colm left Prime to take up a promotion with another firm, an experience that allowed Colm to be the point of contact for clients and oversee an entire accounts team. During this time away, Colm also gained additional experience in tax planning and has met with potential clients and re-joins Prime as a real asset to our firm.

In 2017 Colm was nominated for the Coventry and Warwickshire YoungPro shortlisted in the Business Services, which despite not winning is testament to the service Colm provides his clients and the way he works with his colleagues.

Outside of work Colm likes to play and watch football, supporting Arsenal. He also likes to spend time with his family and his pet dog.

Leigh Dudley

Forensic Manager

Leigh joined Prime in August 2016, having gained over 17 years experience as a General Practioner with a diverse range of experience, including company valuation, fraud investigation and loss of profit claims.

He has acted for a broad range of clients, both personal and commercial from a variety of industries and of various sizes. After completing an investigation of fraud for one of his clients Leigh decided to utilise his wealth of accounting experience to move into Forensic Accounting.

Leigh has experience of client acquisition strategies, tax advice, due-diligence and reviews of sale and purchase agreements. Leigh also regularly delivers seminars to others within the financial and legal sectors covering a variety of topics from both a financial accounting and financial management perspective. His seminars are often aimed at ensuring delegates gain an introduction and understanding of accounts.

Outside of work, Leigh enjoys spending time with family and planning their next camping trip. Leigh has recently began learning to play roller derby and is a keen supporter of Everton FC.

Alf Pare

Consultant - Forensic Accounting

Alf qualified as a Chartered Certified Accountant in 1967 and became a member of the Chartered Institute of Taxation in 1969. He joined the firm in 1969, became a partner in 1974 and was senior partner of the predecessor firm Pilley & Florsham from 1989 – 2006.

Alf no longer takes expert appointments but he still assists the team in preparing advisory reports and sharing his wealth of experience.

Chris Soborowski

Chartered Financial Planner

Chris joined Prime Wealth over four years ago as a technical resource for the team, whilst providing advice to clients as a Chartered Financial Planner in his own right.

Chris has worked within the insurance industry all his working life spending the first nine years with a leading life office in their actuarial and pension administration departments.

Since 1990 he has worked as an independent financial adviser providing advice to all manner of clients from the individual all the way through to multi-national organisations.

Besides advanced knowledge of the rules concerning SIPPs and SSASs Chris has also be involved in many pensions on divorce cases as his degree in Actuarial Science has definitely been of assistance when it comes to valuing pension entitlements.

Holly Giles

Audit and Accounts Manager

Having completed her studies at Bournemouth University, graduating in Accounting and Finance, Holly joined the Prime team in 2010 and continued to study as an accounts trainee until qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2014.

Following numerous promotions, Holly was appointed Audit and Accounts Manager in June 2016 and is based in our Solihull office.

During her time here at Prime, Holly has worked for many of our clients and now has a broad range of experience across numerous industries sectors and her client portfolio includes sole traders, partnerships and limited company clients.

Holly also specialises in Solicitor’s accounts and is the point of contact within the accounts team in regards to SRA Audits. She works closely with Prime Director, Kevin Johns on these clients.

When Holly isn’t in the office she likes to spend her time and money, shopping and travelling the world.

Paislei Godley

Tax Manager

Paislei qualified as a Chartered Tax Adviser with the Chartered Institute of Tax in 2013 and following the previous tax manager’s leave for maternity and return in a new tax advisory role, Paislei was then appointed Tax Manager in 2013. In this new role, Paislei assists and advises her clients with their tax affairs as well assisting directors on an ad hoc basis.

In 2011 Paislei was nominated and won the career advancement award at Solihull Chamber employee awards 2011. Paislei won this award after demonstrating drive, enthusiasm and willingness to learn by taking it upon herself to find out more about becoming tax qualified and further her career.

In her spare time Paislei enjoys playing netball and following our Gold Postbox Cycle Challenge has now discovered a new found love for cycling.

Prime Careers

Prime always welcomes contact from high calibre, dedicated and motivated applicants. We are a forward thinking organisation that uses the latest technology to run the business and continually improve our service to clients, therefore all candidates should have a good level of IT and communications skills. If you think you would meet the outstanding criteria we expect from our teams, we would be delighted to hear from you - even if no specific vacancy is available at the moment.

Please see below for our current vacancies.

Charity and Community

Prime Accountants Group takes its role within the wider community seriously and has been involved in a number of fundraising and charity projects throughout recent years. We recognise that, as a local business, we have a responsibility to the local community.